Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' | oakleaf hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangea is an attractive deciduous shrub native to the American South. Bold, large, oak-shaped leaves give this hardy plant an almost tropical appearance. Leaves emerge light green in spring, darken to a deep green, then turn the most beautiful shade of deep red in fall. This shrub pleases through all the seasons: peeling cinnamon-colored bark nicely complements the dried flower panicles.

Flowers on old wood; prune just after flowering to maintain shape if desired.

'Snow Queen' is similar to the straight species, however it has stronger stems and a slightly more upright, rounded form. It is also more floriferous. Long panicles of mostly sterile white flowers appear in late spring and slowly fade to a beautiful pink as they age.

*Hardy to zone 5, but should be sited in a protected location or otherwise protected in the first few years as it becomes fully established. We sited ours behind a porch where it is safely protected from strong winter winds.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society; Great Plant Picks, Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Gold Medal

Zones: 5* to 9
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Height: 4 to 6 ft.
Spread: 6 to 8 ft.
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Conditions: Rich, moist but well-drained soil
Bloom Time: May to July
Bloom Color: White changing to pink
Native Range: southeastern US